Annie Davidson

Annie Davidson Founders Society

More than a century ago, Annie Davidson, widow and mother of 10, helped build Calgary’s first public library. Mrs. Davidson and the Calgary Women’s Literary Club were the first champions of the Library cause in Calgary. They successfully secured community support for Alberta’s first public library and obtained the financial donation from the Carnegie Foundation. They saw the Library cause as an investment for their families and future generations of Calgarians.

The Library has been transforming and inspiring the lives of Calgarians ever since.

It is our privilege to ask you to stand with us in support of the Calgary Public Library. In a busy world, today’s library is the community’s living room, where children learn to read, newcomers to Canada are welcomed and the direction of a life is positively changes through the services and support provided by Library staff. Your donation can—and will—make a difference in helping to build our Library and community.

We are deeply grateful to the generous people who support Annie’s legacy today. Help us honour her dream by becoming a member of the Annie Davidson Founder’s Society.

If you have further questions or would like to become a part of the Society, please contact:

Opportunity to participate in an exclusive Read Letter Day Volunteer Event

Invitations to unique donor stewardship events

Annie Davidson Opera

In a time when women couldn’t yet vote, Annie Davidson was the first champion of the Calgary Public Library. She led the Calgary Women’s Literary Club and successfully mobilized the community support and philanthropic investment needed to make the Library a reality. Memorial Park Library, Alberta’s first public library, was completed in 1912.

Annie’s legacy has transformed and inspired the lives of Calgarians ever since.

The Annie Davidson Opera, which was held from September 24-27, 2015, brought to life the story of the Calgary Public Library through the eyes of Annie Davidson. The new Canadian opera was created in partnership with Cowtown Opera, a contemporary opera company that breathes life into a traditional art form by utilizing contemporary and local themes.